One has the backing of the Supreme Court and is led by Sir Michael, while Mr. O'Neill's government has the support of Parliament and the Governor-General.

The Attorney-General in the Somare cabinet, Sir Arnold Amet, has urged Mr. O'Neill to allow Sir Michael to take his place as prime minister when Parliament resumes in two weeks.

"We are willing to go on the floor and you can move the motion of no confidence. But you must accede the ruling of the Supreme Court judgment, that Sir Michael is the prime minister – we are the executive government," Sir Arnold said.

"Then you have the numerical ability if that remains the same, to move the motion of no confidence. Peter O'Neill do you have the guts to move that?" he said.

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